Despite zero news on a return to normality, tourism board to start targeting foreign markets
The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) will start attracting tourists from foreign countries next year, although “the last mile” still lingers.
The Tourism Development Committee (CDT) convened the second Plenary Meeting of 2022 yesterday.
The release, the MGTO said that “in 2023 […] besides securing the mainland visitor market, the Office will take progressive steps to promote [Macau] in overseas markets in accordance with the loosening of border measures.”
In the course of attracting foreign tourists, the bureau pledged that it would “[attract] visitors for longer stays in Macau through a variety of initiatives.”
Orchestrating the concept of “tourism+” – which the local government has been using to highlight the various elements of tourism – and deeply immersing MGTO in the development of the mainland are also part of their focus areas in the coming year, the bureau added.
Meanwhile, the MGTO revealed that “[two] major events, Light up Macau 2022 and the Crunch and Munch Fair in Macau – Fiesta for Five” will be held in December to close out the year. The tourism board disclosed that special travel offers have been launched and tailored for foreigners, Hong Kong and Taiwan residents residing in the mainland to expand the range of visitors.
Through these events and initiatives, the bureau believes that tourists will spend more time in the city, although Christmas is not a public holiday in mainland China.
In terms of e-marketing, the MGTO said that it has continued to partner with e-commerce platforms to promote information on Macau’s latest border measures, travel information and special offers towards target users, to increase their intentions to visit Macau.
During the meeting, Secretary for Economy and Finance Lei Wai Nong, who is also the chair for the committee, said that the resumption of the electronic issuing of travel permits and group travel to Macau is one of the Central Government’s “major supportive measures for Macau’s economic recovery.” These measures apply to four mainland provinces and one municipality – Guangdong, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Fujian and Shanghai.
As such, the MGTO disclosed that it is making special efforts to promote the destination in those areas. The “Experience Macau, Unlimited” Caravan Roadshow Series is being rolled out across various locations in Greater Bay Area, with destination presentation seminars and travel marts being held concurrently.
The Office also partners with Air Macau to hold flash roadshows at shopping malls in mainland cities to highlight Macau’s image as a healthy, safe and quality destination and bolster travelers’ confidence in Macau.
CDT members have also made comments and suggestions on the future of Macau’s tourism industry.
